Storing Holiday Decorations: How to Organize and Protect Your Decor

Storing holiday decorations is one of those tasks that nobody enjoys and everyone regrets skipping. You toss everything in a box, shove it in the attic, and next December you open the box to find crushed ornaments, tangled lights, and a wreath that’s been flattened by a bag of old Halloween costumes. The problem is that most people either skip proper storage (they just throw everything in a box) or overspend on storage solutions (they buy a different container for every type of decoration). The right approach is in the middle. You use the right containers, you organize by category, and you protect the items that need protection. This guide covers how to store holiday decorations so they last for years.

Storing holiday decorations covers the organization, packing, and protection of holiday decor during the off-season. The best storage is organized, protective, and space-efficient. The worst is haphazard, unprotected, and so disorganized that items get damaged or lost.

The right storage system saves you money and keeps your decor looking new. Here’s how to organize, pack, and protect your holiday decorations.

How to Organize Holiday Decorations for Storage

Sort by Category

The first step is sorting your decorations by category. This makes it easier to pack, store, and unpack.

Categories:

• Ornaments (group by size and fragility)
• Lights (indoor and outdoor)
• Garland and wreaths (fresh and artificial)
• Tree decorations (tree skirt, tree topper, tree stand)
• Table linens (tablecloths, runners, napkins)
• Outdoor decor (wreaths, lights, stakes)
• Window decor (clings, lights, candles)
• Inflatables and yard decor
• Gift wrap and bags
• Stockings and mantel decor
• Candles and candleholders
• Miscellaneous (ribbons, bows, tags)

How to do it:

1. Take down all the decorations
2. Sort them into the categories above
3. Discard or donate items you no longer want
4. Group items that go together (e.g., ornaments and ornament hooks)
5. Label each group

Declutter Before You Store

Before you pack everything away, take the opportunity to declutter. This is the best time to get rid of items you don’t use.

What to declutter:

• Broken ornaments and lights (test them before storing)
• Decorations you didn’t use this year (if you didn’t use it, you probably won’t next year)
• Duplicated items (you don’t need 5 wreaths)
• Items that are faded, torn, or damaged
• Items that don’t match your current style

How to do it:

1. As you take down decorations, set aside items to discard or donate
2. Test lights before storing (tangled, non-working lights are not worth keeping)
3. Be honest about what you’ll use next year
4. Donate items in good condition to a thrift store or a charity

Label Everything

Labeling is the key to organized storage. When you can see what’s in each box without opening it, you save time and frustration.

How to do it:

1. Use a label maker or a permanent marker
2. Label each box with the category (e.g., “Ornaments,” “Lights,” “Garland”)
3. Include the room or area (e.g., “Living Room Ornaments,” “Outdoor Lights”)
4. Number the boxes (e.g., “Box 1 of 5”) so you know if you’re missing one
5. For fragile items, add a “Fragile” label

How to Pack Holiday Decorations

Ornaments

Ornaments are the most fragile and the most numerous. They need the most protection.

How to pack:

1. Use an ornament storage box with dividers (available at Amazon, Target, and craft stores)
2. Wrap fragile ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap
3. Place each ornament in its own compartment
4. Don’t overcrowd the box (ornaments should not touch each other)
5. Store the box in a cool, dry place

What to use:

• An ornament storage box with dividers ($15 to $40)
• A plastic bin with cardboard dividers ($10 to $25)
• Egg cartons (for small ornaments)
• Tissue paper or bubble wrap (for fragile items)

What to skip:

• Stacking ornaments without dividers (they’ll break)
• Using a cardboard box without padding (it’s not protective)
• Storing ornaments in a damp place (they’ll get moldy)

Lights

Lights are the most frustrating to untangle. Proper packing prevents the tangle.

How to pack:

1. Use a light storage reel or a cord organizer ($5 to $15)
2. Wrap each string of lights around a reel or a piece of cardboard
3. Secure the ends with a rubber band or a twist tie
4. Place the wrapped lights in a plastic bin
5. Label the bin with the type and length of lights

What to use:

• A light storage reel ($5 to $15)
• A piece of cardboard (cut to size, free)
• A plastic bin ($10 to $20)
• Twist ties or rubber bands

What to skip:

• Throwing lights in a box without wrapping (they’ll tangle)
• Storing lights without testing them first (you’ll be frustrated next year)
• Mixing indoor and outdoor lights in the same bin (label them separately)

Garland and Wreaths

Garland and wreaths are bulky and can get crushed if not stored properly.

How to pack:

1. Use a wreath storage bag or a wreath storage container ($10 to $30)
2. Place the wreath or garland in the bag or container
3. Don’t compress it (it will lose its shape)
4. Store it in a cool, dry place

What to use:

• A wreath storage bag ($10 to $25)
• A wreath storage container ($15 to $30)
• A plastic bin (for garland)

What to skip:

• Stacking wreaths on top of each other (they’ll get crushed)
• Storing wreaths in a damp place (they’ll get moldy)
• Compressing garland in a tight box (it will lose its shape)

Tree Decorations

Tree decorations (tree skirt, tree topper, tree stand) need to be packed separately.

How to pack:

1. Clean the tree stand before storing
2. Fold the tree skirt and place it in a plastic bin
3. Wrap the tree topper in tissue paper and place it in a box
4. Store the tree stand in its original box or a plastic bin

What to use:

• A plastic bin ($10 to $20)
• Tissue paper (for the tree topper)
• The original box (for the tree stand)

What to skip:

• Storing the tree stand without cleaning it (sap and dirt will harden)
• Folding the tree skirt without washing it first (stains will set)

Table Linens

Table linens should be washed, folded, and stored in a dry place.

How to pack:

1. Wash and dry the linens before storing
2. Fold them neatly
3. Place them in a plastic bin or a fabric storage bag
4. Add a dryer sheet to keep them fresh
5. Store them in a cool, dry place

What to use:

• A plastic bin ($10 to $20)
• A fabric storage bag ($5 to $15)
• A dryer sheet (for freshness)

What to skip:

• Storing linens without washing (stains will set)
• Storing linens in a damp place (they’ll get moldy)
• Storing linens in a cardboard box (it’s not moisture-resistant)

Outdoor Decor

Outdoor decor (wreaths, lights, stakes, inflatables) should be cleaned and dried before storing.

How to pack:

1. Clean and dry all outdoor decor
2. Coil lights and wrap them around a reel or cardboard
3. Place stakes and hardware in a labeled bag
4. Deflate inflatables and fold them neatly
5. Store everything in a plastic bin

What to use:

• A plastic bin ($10 to $20)
• A light storage reel ($5 to $15)
• Zip-top bags (for small hardware)

What to skip:

• Storing outdoor decor without cleaning it (dirt and moisture will damage it)
• Storing inflatables without deflating them (they’ll take up too much space)
• Storing outdoor decor in a cardboard box (it’s not moisture-resistant)

Where to Store Holiday Decorations

The Attic

The attic is the most common storage space. It’s good for items that can handle temperature changes.

Good for: Artificial trees, outdoor decor, gift wrap, and non-fragile items.

Not good for: Candles (they’ll melt), fresh greenery (it’ll dry out), and fragile ornaments (temperature changes can cause cracking).

Tip: Use plastic bins, not cardboard boxes, for attic storage. They’re moisture-resistant and protect better.

The Basement

The basement is a good storage space if it’s dry. It’s good for items that need a consistent temperature.

Good for: Ornaments, lights, and table linens.

Not good for: Items in damp basements (moisture will cause mold and rust).

Tip: Use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. Add silica gel packets to absorb moisture.

The Garage

The garage is a convenient storage space, but it’s subject to temperature changes and moisture.

Good for: Artificial trees, outdoor decor, and non-fragile items.

Not good for: Candles, fresh greenery, and fragile items.

Tip: Use plastic bins, not cardboard boxes. Keep bins off the floor to prevent moisture damage.

A Closet

A closet is the best storage space for temperature-sensitive items. It’s climate-controlled and easy to access.

Good for: Candles, fragile ornaments, and items you want to access easily.

Not good for: Large items (trees, inflatables) that won’t fit.

Tip: Use the top shelf of a closet for bins you don’t need to access often.

What to Skip Entirely

Cardboard boxes. Cardboard is not moisture-resistant, it’s not protective, and it doesn’t stack well. Use plastic bins instead.

Storing without labeling. Unlabeled boxes are a nightmare to unpack. Label every box with the category and the room.

Storing without decluttering. Storing items you don’t use is a waste of space. Declutter before you pack.

Storing fragile items without protection. Ornaments and fragile items need dividers, tissue paper, or bubble wrap.

Storing lights without wrapping. Throwing lights in a box without wrapping them guarantees a tangle next year.

Storing in a damp place. Moisture causes mold, rust, and damage. Store in a cool, dry place.

FAQ

How do I store holiday decorations? Sort by category (ornaments, lights, garland, linens, outdoor decor). Declutter before you pack. Label every box. Use plastic bins with dividers for ornaments. Wrap lights around a reel or cardboard. Store in a cool, dry place (attic, basement, garage, or closet).

What containers should I use for storing holiday decorations? Use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids (moisture-resistant, stackable). Use ornament storage boxes with dividers for ornaments. Use light storage reels for lights. Use wreath storage bags or containers for wreaths. Use the original box for the tree stand.

Where should I store holiday decorations? Store in a cool, dry place. The attic is good for artificial trees and non-fragile items. The basement is good for ornaments and lights (if it’s dry). The garage is good for trees and outdoor decor (use plastic bins). A closet is good for candles and fragile items.

How do I store Christmas lights without tangling? Wrap each string of lights around a light storage reel or a piece of cardboard. Secure the ends with a rubber band or a twist tie. Place the wrapped lights in a plastic bin. Label the bin with the type and length of lights.

How do I store fragile ornaments? Use an ornament storage box with dividers. Wrap fragile ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap. Place each ornament in its own compartment. Don’t overcrowd the box. Store in a cool, dry place.

Should I declutter before storing holiday decorations? Yes. Before you pack, discard broken items, donate items you didn’t use this year, and get rid of duplicated items. This saves space and makes next year’s decorating easier.

How do I label holiday decoration storage? Use a label maker or a permanent marker. Label each box with the category (e.g., “Ornaments”), the room (e.g., “Living Room”), and a box number (e.g., “Box 1 of 5”). For fragile items, add a “Fragile” label.

References

• The Spruce. “How to Store Christmas Decorations.” https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-store-christmas-decorations-4142240
• Good Housekeeping. “Christmas Decoration Storage.” https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/g2891/christmas-decoration-storage/
• Amazon. “Holiday Decoration Storage.” Check on Amazon